Safe Environment
July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020
The Diocese of Phoenix is committed to providing a safe environment where we value and honor every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Ongoing training programs in maintaining safe environments are provided for adults, children and teens.
At St. Bridget Parish, we provide the following safe environment programs:
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SAFE ENVIRONMENT (ADULTS)
Adults who participate in our ministries are required to be trained in The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix - Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Minors.
Foundation
After registering in the parish and selecting a ministry, all volunteers are required to complete the following: Initial Foundation Application; Live Training RSVP; and Background Check. For instructions, contact our Safe Environment Coordinator, Jean McCarthy.
Renewal Class
An online renewal class will be required annually after that.
Face-to-Face Interview & Reference Checks
You will be called to schedule an interview. Reference checks are usually done after the interview.
DIOCESAN DOCUMENTS
Diocese of Phoenix – Policy & Procedures for the Protection of Minors, Revised 2019
SAFE ENVIRONMENT (Children – PreKindergarten thru 8th Grade)
Safe Environment education for children is incorporated into EVERY Catholic school and religious education program EVERY year. There are 2 required classes for 6th graders, 1 class for all other grades. The classes are held in the fall. Watch the bulletin for dates.
This education focuses on identifying appropriate physical, emotional and spiritual boundaries. All children are reminded that they are loved and valued by God and the Church. In addition, the important message that they can talk to trusted adults if they or anyone they know are being hurt, is reinforced.
General information for parents, grade appropriate lesson plans, and a FORM WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED to the Safe Environment Coordinator follow:
Pre-K/Kindergarten Lesson: Guardian Angels
Pre-K/Kindergarten Lesson Reading
1st Grade Lesson: More on Guardian Angels
1st Grade Lesson Reading
2nd Grade Lesson: Commandments & Sacraments
2nd Grade Lesson Reading
3rd Grade Lesson: Inappropriate Actions
4th Grade Lesson: Inappropriate Gifts
5th Grade Lesson: More on Inappropriate Actions/Gifts [two lessons are to be combined]
6th Grade Lessons: “Created in God’s Image for Youth” and "Good Relationships/Boundaries"
7th & 8th Grade Lesson: Relationships (Odd Numbered Years)
7th and 8th Grade Lesson Reading
SAFE ENVIRONMENT (Teens – Grades 9-12)
Safe Environment education for children is incorporated into EVERY Catholic school and religious education program EVERY year. The class is held in the fall. Watch the bulletin for date.
The education focuses on identifying appropriate physical, emotional and spiritual boundaries. All children are reminded that they are loved and valued by God and the Church. In addition, the important message that they can talk to trusted adults if they or anyone they know are being hurt, is reinforced.
General information for parents, grade appropriate lesson plan, and a FORM WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED to the Safe Environment Coordinator follow:
SAFE ENVIRONMENT (Youth Volunteers)
Minors Serving in Diocesan, Parish or School Programs
Minors serving in ministries (e.g., altar servers, aids in classrooms/religious education, ushers, lectors, choir, etc.) are an important part of service within the diocese.
Following are standards for their service:
Minors serving in ministries must attend an age/grade appropriate Safe Environment Educational session annually. If a minor serving is not enrolled in a Catholic School or religious education program, their training may consist of a review of the Interactions & Behaviors Chart (Appendix III), and the importance of telling an adult if they have reasonable belief another minor may have been abused.
Minors serving in programs are to adhere to the Policy & Procedures for the Protection of Minors and have submitted a completed Youth Volunteer Acknowledgement Form ANNUALLY.
Minors must always serve with at least 2 Safe Environment trained adults.
Minors under the age of 12 are not to be placed in a position of responsibility and/or leadership.
Youth Volunteer Acknowledgement Form NOW applies to ALL MINORS, and form must be completely ANNUALLY. Click below for online form.